Plastic Codes

Recycling codes stamped on some plastics may help identify unhealthy chemicals, but keep in mind, pioneer and leading BPA researcher, Dr Fred Vom Saal at Missouri University, asserts:

"We cannot state there is any safe plastic".

Worst Plastics

• Type 3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • Products
    • Shampoo bottles, food packaging, wire insulator, shower curtains, medical tubing and bags, vinyl upholstery, floor tiles, pipes, Reynolds Wrap and cling wrap for most grocery stores
      • Can pass from packaging into food, water, or cosmetics
      • Can be breathed in from curtains or pipes
  • Contain Phthalates
    • Phthalate give plastic its resilience and flexibility
  • Considered most harmful plastic
• Type 6: Polystyrene
  • One of the most widely used plastics
  • Two forms of polystyrene: inflated and non-inflated
    • Styrofoam®, a Dow Chemical Company trademarked product
    • meat trays, egg cartons
    • plastic utensils, some takeout containers, cups, bowls, plates
    • plastic models, packaging for shipping.
    • flame retardants
  • May leak styrene, especially when heated
  • Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
  • Polystyrene is not biodegradable
• Type 7 Polycarbonate (PC), among other plastics
  • Polycarbonates
    • Reusable water bottles, dental sealants, inner lining of food cans
    • Have been used in baby bottles and "sippy" cups for kids
  • Can contain BPA which can leach into food and water

Possibly Better Plastics

• Type 1: Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET or PETE)
  • Disposable containers for most bottled water, soft drinks, and juice, mouthwash, ketchup, peanut butter, jelly, etc.
  • Avoid reusing #1 bottles and jars because the plastic is porous
    • containers absorb flavors and bacteria that can't be cleaned out
• Type 2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Cloudy or opaque plastic
  • Milk, water, and juice jugs
  • Bottles for shampoo and detergent
  • Cereal-box liners
  • Additives have not been tested
• Type 4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
  • Cling wraps, food storage bags, garbage bags, and grocery bags
  • Squeeze bottles
  • Coatings for milk cartons and hot-beverage cups
  • Burden to environment
• Type 5: Polypropylene (PP)
  • Cloudy or opaque plastic
  • Most Rubbermaid container, cloudy plastic baby bottles, deli soup containers
  • Containers for yogurt, margarine, ketchup and syrup
  • Additive have not been tested
• Bio-based Polymers (Biodegradable polyester)
  • Derived from renewable resources, such as corn, potatoes, sugar cane.
  • Can be composted in a municipal composter or in a backyard compost pile
  • Healthiest and most eco-friendly choice.

Alternatives

• Food storage
  • Parchment or waxed paper
  • Glass and ceramic food storage containers
• On the go
  • Paper plates, bowls, and cups made from sugar cane
  • Bio-plastic utensils made from plant starch
  • Stainless steel insulated storage container for hot foods
  • Stainless steel water bottles or Ball brand canning jar with lid

References

Codes of Concern, Time Magazine (April 1, 2010)

Plastic Planet, Documentary (2009). time stamps 1:10:10 & 1:18:20